EP1388439A2

EP1388439A2 - A Method and system for preventing false alarms in a tyre pressure monitoring system

Info

Publication number: EP1388439A2
Application number: EP03102391A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Brian Bennie; Dilip B Patel; Frederick James Porter; Leena Shah; Thomas Michael Mcquade; Thomas Lee Miller
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2002-08-07
Filing date: 2003-07-31
Publication date: 2004-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-31
Also published as: DE60327971D1; US6982636B1; EP1388439A3; EP1388439B1

Abstract

A pressure monitoring system 12 for a tyre 14a of an automotive vehicle includes a first pressure sensor 94 coupled to the wheel, a pressure transmitter 90 coupled to the pressure sensor 94 whereby the transmitter generates a pressure signal. A controller 22 is coupled to the pressure transmitter. The controller 22 receives the pressure signal and in a first stage, compares the pressure signal to a pressure threshold to obtain a sensor status. In a second stage, the controller 22 qualifies the sensor status signal by generating a warning status in response to the sensor status.

Description

The present invention relates generally to a system for monitoring tyre pressures in an automotive vehicle and in particular to a method and system for monitoring the tyre pressure system and preventing false warnings.
Various types of pressure sensing systems for monitoring the pressure within the tyres of an automotive vehicle have been proposed. Such systems generate a pressure signal using an electromagnetic (EM) signal, which is transmitted to a receiver. The pressure signal corresponds to the pressure within the tyre. When the tyre pressure drops below a predetermined pressure, an indicator is used to signal the vehicle operator of the low pressure.
Various tyre manufacturers have suggested various locations for the pressure sensors. Known systems include coupling a pressure sensor to the valve stem of the tyre. Other known systems and proposed systems locate the pressure sensors in various locations within the tyre wall or tread. Tyres are mounted to wheels that are commonly made from steel or aluminum.
Signals from the pressure sensors are read by the system and a low pressure warning is generated when the pressure is below a predetermined threshold. Such system may not distinguish flat tyres and high pressure situations. Also, a delay may be formed in such systems upon activation or reactivation of the system. Such delays are not desired in tyre pressure monitoring systems because on start up of the system if a low tyre pressure is present, it would be desirable to provide the driver with instant notification thereof.
It would therefore be desirable to provide the vehicle operator with timely information as to the presence of a low pressure, high pressure, or flat tyre pressure situation in any of the tyres of the vehicle.
It is an object of this invention to provide a system and method for reducing the probability of false warnings from a tyre monitoring system.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a pressure monitoring system for a tyre of an automotive vehicle wheel characterised in that the system comprises a first pressure sensor coupled to the wheel, a pressure transmitter coupled to the pressure sensor generating a pressure signal, a controller coupled to the pressure transmitter to receive the pressure signal wherein the controller is operable in a first stage to compare the pressure signal to a pressure threshold to obtain a sensor status and in a second stage is operable to qualify the sensor status signal by generating a warning status in response to the sensor status.
The sensor status signal may be an initial pressure signal and the controller is operable to qualify the initial sensor status signal by generating a low or flat warning status signal in response to the initial sensor status signal indicating a respective low or flat tyre pressure.
When the status signal is not an initial status signal, qualifying the sensor status signal may comprise receiving a plurality of equal sensor status signals.
According to a first embodiment of a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a pressure monitoring system characterised in that the method comprises transmitting a pressure signal from a tyre pressure sensor and receiving the pressure signal in a controller and, in a first stage, comparing the pressure signal to a pressure threshold to obtain a sensor status signal and, in a second stage, qualifying the sensor status signal.
The sensor status signal may comprise generating a warning status in response to the sensor status.
The sensor status signal may be an initial sensor status signal and qualifying the sensor status signal may further comprise generating a low or flat warning status signal in response to the initial sensor status signal indicating a respective low or flat tyre pressure.
When the status signal is not an initial signal, qualifying the sensor status signal may further comprise receiving a plurality of equal sensor status signals.
The pressure threshold may comprise one of a low pressure threshold, a high pressure threshold and a flat tyre pressure threshold.
According to a second embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the method may further comprise transmitting a plurality of pressure signals from a tyre pressure sensor and receiving the plurality of pressure signals in the controller, the first stage comprises, comparing the plurality of pressure signals to a pressure threshold to obtain a plurality of pressure status signals and the second stage comprises qualifying the sensor status signals by determining a warning status signal in response to the plurality of pressure status signals.
Determining a warning status signal may comprise qualifying the plurality of pressure status symbols by generating a warning status symbol in response to a predetermined number of the plurality of pressure status signal being equal.
The predetermined number may be about 5.
The warning status may comprise one of a high status or a not high status, a low status or a not low status and a flat status or a not flat status.
Determining a warning status may comprise generating a first warning status in response to a predetermined number of the pressure status signals being equal within a predetermined time.
The method may further comprise generating an indication in response to the warning status signal.
Generating an indication may comprise generating an audible signal or a visual signal.
According to a third embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the method may further comprise transmitting a plurality of pressure signals from a tyre pressure sensor and receiving the plurality of pressure signals in the controller, the first stage comprises comparing the plurality of pressure signals to a plurality of pressure thresholds to obtain a pressure status signal and the second stage comprises generating in response to the pressure status signal one of a first high pressure warning status signal, when the pressure status signal is above a high pressure threshold, a first low pressure warning status signal, when the pressure status signal is below a low pressure threshold and a first flat pressure warning status signal, when the pressure status signal is below a flat pressure threshold, and determining a composite warning signal in response to the high pressure warning status signal, the low pressure warning status signal and the flat pressure status signal.
The method may further comprise, when the pressure status signal is below a low pressure threshold, generating a second high pressure warning status signal.
The method may further comprise, when the pressure status signal is below a flat pressure threshold, generating a second high pressure warning status signal.
The method may further comprise, when the pressure status signal is below a high pressure threshold, generating a second low pressure warning status signal and a second non-flat warning status signal.
Determining a composite warning signal may comprise determining a composite warning signal in response to the first high pressure warning status signal, the second high pressure warning status signal, the first low pressure warning status signal, the second low pressure warning status signal, the first flat pressure status signal and the second flat pressure status signal.
The composite signal may comprise a sensor status signal.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing of which:-
Figure 1 is a block diagrammatic view of a pressure monitoring system according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a functional flowchart of the monitoring system according to the present invention;
Figure 3 is a block diagrammatic view of a pressure transmitter according to the present invention;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a digital word from a pressure transmitter;
Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating determining a pressure status in a first stage of pressure determination;
Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating determining a warning status in a second stage of pressure determination;
Figure 7 is a state diagram of low pressure sensor status;
Figure 8 is a state diagram of high pressure sensor status;
Figure 9 is a state diagram of a flat pressure sensor status;
Figure 11 is a state diagram of a low pressure warning status;
Figure 12 is a state diagram of a high pressure warning status; and
Figure 13 is a state diagram of a flat pressure warning status.
In the following figures, the same reference numerals will be used to illustrate the same components. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various components set forth herein could be changed without varying from the scope of the invention.
Referring now to Figure 1, an automotive vehicle 10 has a pressure monitoring system 12 for monitoring the air pressure within a left front tyre 14a, a right front tyre 14b, a right rear tyre 14c, and a left rear tyre 14d. Each tyre 14a-14d has a respective tyre pressure sensor circuit 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, each of which has a respective antenna 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18d. Each tyre is positioned upon a corresponding wheel.
A fifth tyre or spare tyre 14e is also illustrated having a tyre pressure sensor circuit 16e and a respective antenna 18e. Although five wheels are illustrated, the pressure of various numbers of wheels may be increased. For example, the present invention applies equally to vehicles such as pickup trucks that have dual wheels for each rear wheel. Also, various numbers of wheels may be used in a heavy duty truck application having dual wheels at a number of locations. Further, the present invention is also applicable to trailers and extra spares as will be further described below.
Each tyre 14 may have a respective initiator 20a-20e positioned within the wheel wells adjacent to the tyre 14. Initiator 20 generates a low frequency RF signal initiator and is used to initiate a response from each wheel so that the position of each wheel may be recognized automatically by the pressure monitoring system 12. Initiators 20a-20e are preferably coupled directly to a controller 22. In commercial embodiments where the position programming is done manually, the initiators may be eliminated.
Controller 22 is preferably a microprocessor based controller having a programmable CPU that may be programmed to perform various functions and processes including those set forth herein.
Controller 22 has a memory 26 associated therewith. Memory 26 may be various types of memory including ROM or RAM. Memory 26 is illustrated as a separate component. However, those skilled in the art will recognize controller 22 may have memory 26 therein. Memory 26 is used to store various thresholds, calibrations, tyre characteristics, wheel characteristics, serial numbers, conversion factors, temperature probes, spare tyre operating parameters, and other values needed in the calculation, calibration and operation of the pressure monitoring system 12. For example, memory may contain a table that includes the sensor identification thereof. Also, the warning statuses of each of the tyres may also be stored within the table.
Controller 22 is also coupled to a receiver 28. Although receiver 28 is illustrated as a separate component, receiver 28 may also be included within controller 22. Receiver 28 has an antenna 30 associated therewith. Receiver 30 is used to receive pressure and various information from tyre pressure circuits 16a-16e. Controller 22 is also coupled to a plurality of sensors. Such sensors may include a barometric pressure sensor 32, an ambient temperature sensor 34, a distance sensor 36, a speed sensor 38, a brake pedal sensor 41, and an ignition sensor 42. Of course, various other types of sensors may be used. Barometric pressure sensor 32 generates a barometric pressure signal corresponding to the ambient barometric pressure. The barometric pressure may be measured directly, calculated, or inferred from various sensor outputs. The barometric pressure compensation is preferably used but is not required in calculation for determining the pressure within each tyre 14. Temperature sensor 34 generates an ambient temperature signal corresponding to the ambient temperature and may be used to generate a temperature profile.
Distance sensor 36 may be one of a variety of sensors or combinations of sensors to determine the distance traveled for the automotive vehicle. The distance traveled may merely be obtained from another vehicle system either directly or by monitoring the velocity together with a timer 44 to obtain a rough idea of distance traveled. Speed sensor 38 may be a variety of speed sensing sources commonly used in automotive vehicles such as a two wheel used in anti-lock braking systems, or a transmission sensor.
Timer 44 may also be used to measure various times associated with the process set forth herein. The timer 44, for example, may measure the time the spare tyre is stowed, or measure a time after an initiator signal.
Brake pedal sensor 41 may generate a brake-on or brake-off signal indicating that the brake pedal is being depressed or not depressed, respectively. Brake pedal sensor 41 may be useful in various applications such as the programming or calibrating of the pressure monitoring system 12.
Ignition sensor 42 may be one of a variety of types of sensors to determine if the ignition is powered on. When the ignition is on, a run signal may be generated. When the ignition is off, an off signal is generated. A simple ignition switch may act as an ignition sensor 42. Of course, sensing the voltage on a particular control line may also provide an indication of whether the ignition is activated. Preferably, pressure monitoring system 12 may not be powered when the ignition is off. However, in one constructed embodiment, the system receives information about once an hour after the ignition has been turned off.
A telemetric system 46 may be used to communicate various information to and from a vehicle to a central location. For example, the control location may keep track of service intervals and use and inform the vehicle operator service is required.
A counter 48 may also be included in control system 12. Counter 48 may count, for example, the number of times a particular action is performed. For example, counter 48 may be used to count the number of key-off to key-on transitions. Of course, the counting function may be inherent in controller 22.
Controller 22 may also be coupled to a button 50 or plurality of buttons 50 for inputting information, resetting the controller 22, or various other functions as will be evident to those skilled in the art through the following description.
Controller 22 may also be coupled to an indicator 52. Indicator 52 may include an indicator light or display panel 54, which generates a visual signal, or an audible device 56 such as a speaker or buzzer that generates an audible signal. Indicator 52 may provide some indication as to the operability of the system such as confirming receipt of a signal such as a calibration signal or other commands, warnings, and controls as will be further described below. Indicator may be an LED or LCD panel used to provide commands to the vehicle operator when manual calibrations are performed.
Referring now to Figure 2, a pressure monitoring system 12 having various functional blocks is illustrated. These functional blocks may take place within receiver 28, controller 22, or a combination thereof. Also, memory 26 is used to store the various ranges. An end-of-line (EOL) tester 58 may also be coupled to pressure monitoring system. EOL tester 58 provides test functions to EOL diagnostic block 60. EOL tester 58 in conjunction with EOL diagnostic block 60 may be used to provide acceptable pressure ranges 62 and other diagnostic functions to determine fault within the system. The EOL tester 58 may be used in the manufacturing process to store information in the memory such as various thresholds, tyre characteristics and to initially program the locations corresponding to the vehicle tyres.
Vehicle speed sensor 38, ignition switch 42, and brake on/off switch 41 may be coupled to a manual learn mode activation input process block 64. Together block 64 and sensors 38, 41, and 42 allow an association block 66 to associate the various tyre pressure sensors to the locations of the vehicles. Block 66 associates the various tyre pressure sensors in the memory at block 68. The transmissions from the various sensors are decoded in block 70, which may be performed in receiver 28 above. The decoded information is provided to block 66 and to a block 72, which processes the information such as the ranges, the various sensor locations, and the current transmission process. In the processing frame the sensor status pressure and transmission ID may be linked to a tyre pressure monitor 74 which may be used to provide a warning status to an output block 76 which in turn may provide information to an external controller 78 and to indicator 52.
An auto-learn block 80 may also be used to associate the various tyre pressure sensor monitors with the locations of the tyres in the vehicle. This process may replace or be in addition to the manual learn block 64. The auto-learn function, however, uses initiators such as the initiator 20b as shown. The various features of Figure 2 will be described further in more detail.
Referring now to Figure 3, a typical tyre pressure sensor circuit 16a is illustrated. Although only one tyre pressure sensor circuit 16 is shown, each may be commonly configured.
The pressure monitoring system 12 has a transmitter/receiver or transceiver 90 which is coupled to antenna 18a for transmitting various information to receiver 28. The receiver portion may be used to receive an activation signal for an initiator located at each wheel.
The pressure sensor may have various information such as a serial number memory 92, a pressure sensor 94 for determining the pressure within the tyre, a temperature sensor 96 for determining the temperature within the tyre, and a motion detector 98 which may be used to activate the system pressure sensing system. The initial message is referred to as a "wake" message, meaning the pressure sensing circuit is now activated to send its pressure transmissions and the other data.
The transceiver 90, serial number memory 92, pressure sensor 94, temperature sensor 96, and motion sensor 98 are all coupled to a battery 100. The battery 100 is preferably a long-life battery capable of lasting through the life of the tyre.
A sensor function monitor 101 may also be incorporated into tyre pressure sensor circuit 16. Sensor function monitor 101 generates an error signal when various portions of the tyre pressure circuit are not operating or are operating incorrectly. Also, sensor function monitor may generate a signal indicating that the circuit 16 is operating normally.
Referring now also to Figure 4, a word 102 generated by the tyre pressure sensor circuit 16 of Figure 3 is illustrated. Word 102 may comprise a transmitter identification serial number portion 104 followed by a data portion 106 in a predetermined format. For example, data section 106 may include a wake or initial status pressure information followed by temperature information. Motion detector 28 may initiate the transmission of the word 102 to the transmitter/receiver 90. The word 102 is preferably such that the decode RF transmission block 70 is able to decode the information and validate the word while providing the identification number or serial number, the pressure, the temperature, and a sensor function.
Referring now to Figure 5, a high level flow chart illustrating obtaining a sensor pressure status from the measured pressure is illustrated. The pressure status is determined in a similar manner for each of the tyres on the vehicle. In block 120 the pressure is measured at the pressure sensor and transmitted to the receiver and is ultimately used in the controller. The pressure measured is compared to a low pressure threshold and a low pressure warning is generated if the measured pressure is below the low pressure threshold. In block 124 if the measured pressure is above the high pressure warning, then a high pressure warning is generated. In block 126 if the measured pressure is below a flat pressure, then a flat pressure warning is generated. In block 128 the pressure status is obtained from blocks 122, 124, and 126. The sensor pressure status is a first stage of pressure monitoring according to the present invention.
Referring now to Figure 6, a second stage of pressure monitoring is illustrated in a high level flow chart view. Once the sensor pressure status is obtained in block 128 of Figure 5, a low pressure warning status, a high pressure warning status, a flat pressure warning status, and an overall sensor status is used to form a composite warning status. In block 130 the low pressure warning status is determined. In block 132 the high pressure warning status is determined. In block 134 a flat pressure warning status is determined. As will be further described below, preferably several measurements take place during normal operation to confirm the status. Each of the low pressure warning status, high pressure warning status, and flat pressure warning status are combined together to form the composite warning status in block 136. The low pressure warning status, the high pressure warning status, and the flat pressure warning status may have two statuses indicative of a warning state indicating the conditions are not met and a not warning state indicating the conditions are not met.
Referring now to Figure 7, a state diagram for determining the sensor pressure status is illustrated. Block 138 corresponds to a not low sensor status. In the following example, both the front tyre pressure and the rear tyre pressure may have different threshold values. Also, the spare tyre may also have its own threshold values. When any of the tyres is below its low pressure threshold and a warning status is not low, block 140 is performed. Of course, those in the art will recognize that some hysteresis may be built into the system so that not exactly the same thresholds may be used to transition back. In block 140 the low warning status is determined in the second stage as will be described below. In block 140 when the warning status is not low and the sensor is equal to or above the threshold for the tyre, then the sensor pressure status is not low and the system returns to block 138. In block 140 when a low warning status is determined, then block 142 is performed. In block 142 when the pressure is greater than or equal to the threshold pressure of the associated tyre, then block 144 is performed. In block 144 a "not low" warning status is determined as will be further described below. When the tyre pressures are less than their associated low thresholds, then block 142 is executed. In block 144 when a warning status of not low is determined, block 138 is executed. Blocks 138 through 144 illustrate a continuous loop in which the sensor readings are monitored and a sensor pressure status and warning status are used to move therethrough.
Referring now to Figure 8, a similar state diagram to that of Figure 7 is illustrated relative to a high pressure threshold. In block 146 the warning status is not high. To move from block 146 to 148 the pressure of the particular tyre exceeds a high pressure threshold. When the pressure reading exceeds one of the high pressure thresholds for one of the tyres, block 148 determines a high warning status. A high warning status is determined as will be further described below. When subsequent readings of the pressure sensor are lower than or equal to the high pressure threshold, then block 146 is again executed. In block 148 if the high warning status criteria are met, a high warning status is generated and block 150 is executed. Again, the thresholds may be offset slightly to provide hysteresis. In block 150 when the pressure reading drops below a high pressure threshold then block 144 is executed. If subsequent readings are greater than the high pressure threshold then block 150 is again executed. In block 152 when the not high warning status criteria are met, as will be further described below, a not high warning status is generated and block 146 is again executed.
Referring now to Figure 9, a state diagram for determining the presence of a flat tyre is illustrated. When the warning status is not flat and the tyre pressure for each tyre falls below a predetermined flat threshold, then block 156 is executed. Again, the thresholds may be offset slightly to provide hysteresis. In block 56 if a subsequent pressure reading is greater than the flat threshold, then block 154 is again executed. In block 156, if the criteria for generating a flat warning status are met, as will be further described below, block 158 is executed. In block 158 when the pressure reading of a subsequent reading exceeds or is equal to a flat threshold, then block 160 is executed. Block 160 determines a not flat warning status in a similar manner to that of block 156. In block 160 if the subsequent readings drop below the flat warning threshold, then block 158 is again executed. In block 160 if the criteria for not flat warning status are met, then block 154 is executed.
Preferably, the processes shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9 are simultaneously performed for each wheel.
Referring now to Figure 10, the results obtained from Figures 7, 8, and 9 are shown in respective columns. True in the columns refers to that pressure threshold being crossed. Thus, the output pressure status shown in the right hand column is "in range" when each of the pressure thresholds are not met. A flat pressure status refers to the flat pressure threshold being met. A low pressure status is obtained when a low pressure threshold is crossed, and a high pressure status when a high pressure threshold is exceeded.
Referring now to Figure 11, blocks 140 and 144 of Figure 7 are illustrated in further detail. In each of these blocks the qualification process for either a pressure not low warning status or a low pressure warning status is illustrated. Upon an initial status reading the system is set to a false low warning status as indicated by arrow 163 and block 162 is executed. On the initial status reading, if a low pressure status is obtained in the first reading, block 164 is executed which immediately generates a low warning status. Thus, no waiting periods or other measurements are necessary from an initial standpoint. Loop 165 back to the pressure not low block 162 signifies that the initial value was in range and the status value is not an initial value. When the pressure status signal is low from Figure 7, a warning qualification process is started in block 168. In block 168 if subsequent pressure status signals are not low, block 162 is executed. In block 168 if a predetermined number of pressure status signals are low or a certain number of pressure status signals over a fixed time period are low, for example five warning events, block 164 is executed. In block 164 when a not low pressure status is obtained a qualification timer is initiated in block 170. If a subsequent low pressure warning is received, then block 164 is again executed. In block 170 if a low warning qualification timer expires, the low warning status if false or "not low pressure" and block 162 is executed. The warning status is initiated as represented by arrow 163 by a wake message received from a spare and the vehicle speed is greater than three miles per hour and the low warning status indicates the tyre pressure is not low.
Referring now to Figure 12, a state diagram of the qualification for generating a warning status for high pressure is illustrated. Once again, an initial step represented by arrow 177 is a default state in which the initial status is set to not high. In block 178 when the pressure sensor status is high, block 180 is executed in which the high pressure is qualified. In the transition from block 178 to 180 a high warning qualification process is initiated. As mentioned above in Figure 11, the qualification may be a predetermined number of sequential pressure sensor status readings being high or a predetermined number of pressure sensor status readings being high over a predetermined time. In block 180 if a pressure status is not high before qualification, step 178 is re-executed. In block 180 if a predetermined of pressure sensor status readings are high, then a high warning status is generated in block 182. When a high warning status is generated, if a subsequent pressure status is not high then a qualification timer again starts in block 184. In block 184 if a subsequent pressure status is high then step 182 is executed. In step 184 the not high pressure is qualified before issuing a not high warning status. Thus, a predetermined number of not high pressure statuses must be received before qualification. When a predetermined number of not high pressures are obtained, step 178 is again executed.
Referring now to Figure 13, a flat warning status is generated in a similar manner to the low warning status of Figure 11. The difference between flat warning and low warning is the flat warning is a substantially lower pressure than the flat warning. This system also begins when a wake up message is received and the speed is greater than three miles per hour. Other considerations may also initiate the process. The default is illustrated by arrow 191. When the first pressure status reading is obtained and the pressure sensor status indicates a flat tyre, a flat warning status of true is provided in block 194. Loop 196 resets the initial value flag to 'false' after the initial status value is received. In block 192 if a subsequent sensor pressure status is flat, a qualification timer is initiated in block 198.
In block 198 if a not flat sensor pressure status is received, block 192 is again executed. In block 198 if the qualification process has a predetermined number of flat warning events, either consecutively or during a time period, then block 194 is executed. In block 194 if a not flat sensor pressure status is obtained a not flat pressure qualification process is initiated in block 200. In block 200 if a subsequent flat warning is received, block 194 is again executed. In block 200 if a predetermined number of not flat pressure statuses are provided, the flat warning status is not false, then block 192 is again executed.

As mentioned above in Figure 6, the output of the warning status generators of Figures 11, 12, and 13 generate a composite warning status as illustrated by the following table.

Sensor Status	Flat Warning Status	Low Warning Status	High Warning Status	Composite Warning Status
Don't Care	TRUE	Don't Care	Don't Care	Flat
Don't Care	False	TRUE	Don't Care	Low
Don't Care	False	False	TRUE	High
Transmitter Fault	False	False	False	Fault
In Range	False	False	False	In Range

Thus, the composite warning status has an independent flat warning status portion, a high warning status portion, and a low warning status portion. Also, the composite warning may also include a sensor status portion to indicate a transmitter fault on behalf of the pressure sensor. In response to the composite warning status signal, the tyre pressure monitoring system may provide some indication through the indicator such as a displayed word, a series of words, an indicator light or a text message that service or adjustment of the tyre pressure may be required.
Therefore in summary, the invention provides a system and method for generating timely warnings to a vehicle operator as to the pressure of the tyres through a two-stage determination. In the first stage, a sensor pressure status is obtained and in the second stage, the sensor pressure status is qualified and a warning status is generated.
In one aspect of the invention, a pressure monitoring system for a tyre of an automotive vehicle includes a first pressure sensor coupled to the wheel, a transmitter coupled to the pressure sensor whereby the transmitter generates a pressure signal. A controller is coupled to the transmitter. The controller receives the pressure signal and in a first stage, compares the pressure signal to a pressure threshold to obtain a sensor status. In a second stage, the controller qualifies the sensor status signal by generating a warning status in response to the sensor status.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method of operating a pressure monitoring system comprises transmitting a plurality of pressure signals from a tyre pressure sensor, receiving the plurality of sequential pressure signals in a controller, in a first stage, comparing the plurality of pressure signals to a pressure threshold to obtain a plurality of pressure status signals, in a second stage, determining a warning status signal in response to the plurality of pressure status signals.
One advantage of the invention is that the system will quickly respond in a start up mode when a warning is detected to reduce the time associated with the warning to allow early remediation.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations and alternate embodiments could be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

A pressure monitoring system (12) for a tyre of an automotive vehicle wheel characterised in that the system (12) comprises a first pressure sensor (94) coupled to the wheel, a pressure transmitter (90) coupled to the pressure sensor (94) generating a pressure signal, a controller (22) coupled to the pressure transmitter (90) to receive the pressure signal wherein the controller (22) is operable in a first stage to compare the pressure signal to a pressure threshold to obtain a sensor status and in a second stage is operable to qualify the sensor status signal by generating a warning status in response to the sensor status.
A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sensor status signal is an initial pressure signal and the controller is operable to qualify the initial sensor status signal by generating a low or flat warning status signal in response to the initial sensor status signal indicating a respective low or flat tyre pressure.
A system as claimed in claim 1 or in claim 2 wherein, when the status signal is not an initial status signal, qualifying the sensor status signal comprises receiving a plurality of equal sensor status signals.
A method of operating a pressure monitoring system (12) characterised in that the method comprises transmitting a pressure signal from a tyre pressure sensor (94) and receiving the pressure signal in a controller (22) and, in a first stage, comparing the pressure signal to a pressure threshold to obtain a sensor status signal and, in a second stage, qualifying the sensor status signal.
A method as claimed in claim 4 where qualifying the sensor status signal comprises generating a warning status in response to the sensor status.
A method as recited in claim 4 or in claim 5 wherein the sensor status signal is an initial sensor status signal and qualifying the sensor status signal further comprises generating a low or flat warning status signal in response to the initial sensor status signal indicating a respective low or flat tyre pressure.
A method as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein, when the status signal is not an initial signal, qualifying the sensor status signal further comprises receiving a plurality of equal sensor status signals.
A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 operating a pressure monitoring system wherein the method further comprises transmitting a plurality of pressure signals from a tyre pressure sensor (94) and receiving the plurality of pressure signals in the controller (22), the first stage comprises, comparing the plurality of pressure signals to a pressure threshold to obtain a plurality of pressure status signals and the second stage comprises qualifying the sensor status signals by determining a warning status signal in response to the plurality of pressure status signals.
A method as claimed in claim 8 wherein determining a warning status signal comprises qualifying the plurality of pressure status symbols by generating a warning status symbol in response to a predetermined number of the plurality of pressure status signal being equal.
A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the method further comprises transmitting a plurality of pressure signals from a tyre pressure sensor (94) and receiving the plurality of pressure signals in the controller (22), the first stage comprises comparing the plurality of pressure signals to a plurality of pressure thresholds to obtain a pressure status signal and the second stage comprises generating in response to the pressure status signal one of a first high pressure warning status signal, when the pressure status signal is above a high pressure threshold, a first low pressure warning status signal, when the pressure status signal is below a low pressure threshold and a first flat pressure warning status signal, when the pressure status signal is below a flat pressure threshold, and determining a composite warning signal in response to the high pressure warning status signal, the low pressure warning status signal and the flat pressure status signal.